5 Things You Must Know Before Booking a Christmas Photoshoot
Planning a Christmas photoshoot? Learn how to prepare your whole family, choose the right outfits, and make the session enjoyable for everyone with these 5 must-know tips.
Christmas Family Photography by HTR studio
December is here and our minds are in full-on holiday mode! Between shopping for the perfect gifts, planning festive meals, and organizing your (sometimes chaotic) annual Christmas photoshoot, there’s plenty to keep us busy.
I’ll admit, as a teenager, I dreaded those family photo sessions my parents insisted on. But now, I treasure those memories, they mean SO much to me. They’re not just cute and goofy—they represent our family showing up and celebrating together, imperfections and all.
With that in mind, I want to share 5 essential tips to help you prepare for your holiday photoshoot. I know these sessions can bring an extra layer of stress and worry over your kid’s behavior, outfits and so on, but I am here to make the process feel easy and smooth.
These simple but effective tips will keep the stress away and help you focus on what matters most: creating joyful memories you will be grateful for, forever.
Your Guide to Stress-Free Christmas Photos
These tips have helped countless families I’ve worked with over the years—and honestly, I don’t know why I haven’t shared them before. From coordinating outfits to keeping little ones happy, these small steps can make a world of difference. Let’s dive right in.
Choose Coordinated Outfits
First things first—outfits! Choosing what to wear is one of the most exciting parts of getting ready for your photoshoot, but it can also feel overwhelming. My golden rule?
Start with comfort. If you’re not comfortable in your outfit, it will show in the photos, no matter how great the colors are.
Once you’ve found something you feel great in, focus on creating a cohesive color palette rather than matching everyone exactly. Festive tones like deep greens, burgundy, and gold always look stunning.
For HTR Studio’s dreamy, snowy-white Christmas scene (shown below), I recommend rich, deeper shades like dark green, blue or black to create a beautiful contrast.
For the traditional red-and-green scene (shown below), choose softer neutrals like beige or cream and pair them with accessories like scarves and hats to add layers of texture and warmth.
One last tip—stay away from logos or bold patterns! They can be very distracting. Instead, keep patterns minimal and let your family’s connection be the star of the photo.
Christmas scenes in a studio in Maribor
2. Prepare Your Children in Advance
It’s very important to ease their nerves (and yours) by prepping them ahead of time.
Explain what’s going to happen and show them photos of the setup to build excitement
Make sure they’re well-rested and have had a snack beforehand
Bring along a favorite toy or treat for comfort
Pack an extra outfit for each child—spills and accidents happen
A little preparation can go a long way in keeping the session smooth and enjoyable!
3. Communicate with Your Photographer
One of the most important aspects of the Christmas photoshoot is communication with your photographer. We are here to bring your family’s story to life, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas or concerns.
Whether it’s specific poses, themes, or even tips to help your shy child feel at ease, open communication is key. A good photographer will appreciate your input and work with you to bring your vision to life while adding their creative touch.
4. Don’t put Yourself off Until the Last Minute
Moms, I see you. Between coordinating everyone’s outfits and schedules, it’s easy to leave yourself for last. But trust me, carving out time for yourself makes all the difference!
Pick an outfit that makes you feel beautiful, and plan enough time to get ready without rushing.
Whether it’s styling your hair or putting on a little makeup, those small touches can boost your confidence and set the tone for a relaxed session. When you feel good, your family feels it too.
Looking for extra tips on how to feel confident in front of the camera and get those non-awkward photos? I have some special guides on that, linked below.
5. Schedule Your Session for the Right Time
Timing can make or break your session, especially if your little ones are involved! Book your photoshoot at a time of day when your kids are usually well-rested and cheerful—after a nap or morning playtime often works best.
To make things even easier for you, I offer flexible scheduling. Besides being available every weekday from 9:00 to 19:00, I also accommodate weekend shoots for families with packed weekday schedules.
Sessions are available right up until the end of December, so don’t wait too long to secure your slot—this holiday season always fills up quickly! Contact me today and let’s find a time that works perfectly for your family.
I can’t wait to welcome you all to the studio.
Best wishes, Hristina
Hi, it’s Hristina!
If you're thinking- I hate having my photos taken, I don't know what I'm doing... Guess what? You're not supposed to.
It's my job to direct, instruct, and guide you and our conversation the entire time.
I will welcome you with a big smile and help you be at ease.
Can’t wait to meet you!
